Bird · GBIF taxon 5228229
Grey Crowned Crane
Balearica regulorumAlso known as Gray Crowned Crane, African Crowned Crane, Golden Crested Crane, Crowned Crane
Grey crowned cranes perform elaborate courtship displays involving synchronized leaps, bows, and inflation of a bright red gular sac that produces deep booming calls. Uniquely among modern cranes, they roost overnight in tall trees using a specialized hind toe to grasp branches. These iconic birds spend their days foraging through wetlands and open grasslands, using their feet to stomp the ground and flush out concealed prey.
DiurnalSavannah
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Frogs
- Seeds
Predators
- Jackals
- Domestic Dogs
- Large Birds of Prey
ThreatsHabitat loss, wetland drainage, egg poaching, illegal trade
HabitatsSavannahs, marshes, riverbanks, cultivated fields
Life span20–25 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderGruiformes
- FamilyGruidae
- GenusBalearica
- SpeciesBalearica regulorum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Peaceful birds, but nesting adults can deliver a sharp peck if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
- What to notice
- Recognized by a golden feather crown, white cheeks, red throat pouch, and grey body plumage.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a generous distance, avoid reporting active nest locations publicly, and never disturb roosting sites.
Responsible observation
- Distance: Keep at least 50 meters away, especially near active wetland nests during the breeding season.
- Courtship Watching: Look for leap-dancing and head-bowing behaviors in open savannah pastures during early morning.
- Roosting Etiquette: Avoid disturbing tall trees along riverbanks where flocks gather at dusk to sleep.
Co-occurring Species 
Habitat Neighbor (c) Frank Sengpiel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Frank Sengpiel · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Postdlf, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-saClose Relative
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